African rainforests are ecosystems characterized by dense vegetation and high, consistent rainfall. These biodiverse regions represent a significant portion of the world’s tropical forest cover, supporting a vast array of life and contributing to global ecological processes.
Geographical Distribution of African Rainforests
The largest expanse of African rainforests lies within the Congo Basin, spanning approximately 540,000 square miles (1.4 million square kilometers) across Central Africa. This vast area is primarily located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo, forming the second-largest rainforest system globally. It extends its influence into surrounding countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, and Angola.
West Africa also hosts a smaller, fragmented rainforest belt, historically stretching from Senegal to the Rift Valley. Extensive deforestation has reduced this once-continuous forest, with nearly 90% of its original cover now gone or degraded. Remnants can be found in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cote d’Ivoire. Fragmented East African coastal forests also exist, with scattered patches in Kenya and north-western Tanzania, often at higher altitudes.
Unique Characteristics and Biodiversity
African rainforests thrive under specific climatic conditions, featuring high temperatures and year-round rainfall. Most of the region receives between 1600 and 2000 mm of rainfall annually, with coastal areas sometimes receiving more. This consistent moisture supports a multi-layered forest structure, including a towering canopy, a dense understory, and a shaded forest floor.
The biodiversity within these forests is immense, with estimates suggesting that 70-90% of rainforest life inhabits the trees. While plant species diversity may be relatively lower than other tropical regions, they still host approximately 8,500 documented plant species, including over 400 orchid species. The region is home to a wide array of fauna, including diverse mammal species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants, along with hundreds of fish and bird species.
Global and Local Importance
African rainforests play a role in global climate regulation, functioning as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Congo Basin forest system, for instance, is considered a stronger carbon sink than the Amazon. These forests also influence regional weather patterns by generating rainfall through evapotranspiration, a process where moisture is released into the atmosphere from plants and soil.
Beyond their climatic contributions, these rainforests are homes for numerous local and indigenous communities with a deep relationship with the forest. These communities rely on the forest for sustenance, traditional medicines, and cultural practices. Their traditional knowledge and practices are recognized as effective models for forest protection, with lands managed by indigenous peoples often exhibiting lower deforestation rates.